The plate shown here bears the unofficial seal of Louisiana. New Orleans’ elite Washington Artillery used this and similar pattern plates from the 1850’s to 1865, with some having N.O. for New Orleans, below the Pelican. Besides the N.O., some very few had the words "WE DEFEND OUR RIGHTS”, above the Pelican. The surviving plates carrying this sacred motto are thought to be less than fifteen examples. The plate rates a 9+ on the Mullinax rarity scale.

This particular example has a verbal provenance of having been excavated at Fredericksburg, Virginia. Another example, of this rare plate was dug in the same area by Chris Savarino a few decades ago. The Washinton Artillery was heavily engaged on Marye’s Hill during the great December, 1862 battle.

This plate has been restored; whether it was cracked or bent, I cannot tell, but certainly work has been done. The hooks are missing from the back.

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